Department of Finance & Administration
Larry B. Martin, Interim Commissioner

BLOUNT COUNTY WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE DRUG FRAUD

NASHVILLE - A woman in Blount County is charged with using TennCare to pay for fraudulent prescriptions in nearby Knox County.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Tiffany S. Scott, 37, of Maryville.  The arrest is the result of a joint effort with the Blount County Judicial Drug Task Force.

Scott is accused of presenting altered prescriptions on two separate occasions for the drug Ultram, also known as Tramadol, using TennCare to pay for the prescriptions. She faces one count of TennCare fraud and four counts of obtaining a prescription drug by fraud.

“Whether a person is getting prescription drugs for their own use or to sell, if TennCare is used to finance this abuse, we’re going to go after it,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “Painkillers can be dangerous drugs in the wrong hands, and used the wrong way.”

The TennCare fraud charge against Scott could result in a two year sentence, if convicted. District Attorney General Randall E. Nichols is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,400 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions.  Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."